Pakistan holds news conference to say can't end power blackouts

May 20, 2013|Reuters

ISLAMABAD, May 20 (Reuters) - Two Pakistani ministers incharge of water and power explained what can be done to endpower cuts of up to 20 hours a day in parts of the countryenduring temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius and above -absolutely nothing, it seems, except raise prices.

The power shortages have sparked violent protests andcrippled key industries, costing hundreds of thousands of jobsin a country already beset by high unemployment, a failingeconomy, widespread poverty and a Taliban insurgency.

The "load-shedding" means many families cannot pump water,let alone run air-conditioners, with a disastrous knock-oneffect on health and domestic life.

Ministers Musadiq Malik and Sohail Wajahat Siddiqui "expressed their inability to overcome the crisis", the DailyTimes quoted them as telling a news conference in Lahore, wherethe temperature was 40 C (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday.

"They have termed financial constraints as a major, andincompetence as a minor, hurdle in resolving the issue," thenewspaper said.

"Presenting the realistic picture, the ministers announcedthat they were going to increase the price of electricity andgas for all sectors."

They gave no details but said the problem would get worsebefore it gets better.

About two-thirds of Pakistan's energy is generated by oiland gas and there are widespread gas shortages, with cars run byCNG, compressed natural gas, queuing up for hours overnight tofill their tanks.